The Job: Volume One (The Job #1) Read online

I’m sad and I’m alone. I shouldn’t be alone, that is for sure. I type out my address in a text message and press send before saving his phone number in my contacts with his name. My phone pings again alerting me of a text message. Looking down on the screen, I see Brian’s name, and open it immediately.

  I don’t care what you did. I’m on my way and I am going to make it better.

  I don’t know what I ever did in my life to deserve someone who cares about me this much, without even knowing anything about me; but right now I know he is exactly what I need. I splash some water on my face, cleaning off the remainder of makeup I didn’t cry off and try to make myself look somewhat okay. For my children, not anyone else.

  When I come downstairs, the children are exactly where I left them and none bother to even acknowledge me. I am relived to an extent, but I have to warn them about the friend I have coming over shortly. If I don’t say anything at all, I am sure they will immediately run back to Drew with some wild tale. Especially Trenton.

  “Hey guys, a friend of mine is going to be stopping over shortly to help me with my process of finding a job. I want you to be on your best behavior with Mr. Thompson, okay?” I cringe while I wait for them to answer me. “He is nice enough to come and help me since my resume is outdated. I don’t want you guys being rude. Do you understand?” Finally they begin to acknowledge me one by one. Grace smiles big and starts to ask a million questions about Brian. Most of which I don’t have any answers for.

  “Mommy does he like Sofia?” She smiles at me, pointing at the Disney character on her t-shirt.

  “I’m sure Mr. Thompson doesn’t know who she is, baby girl.”

  “Does he have kids too?” She continues her interrogation.

  “Yes honey. But, they are older.”

  “Is Mr. Thompson old?” I laugh at her question just as the doorbell rings. My goodness, he got here quick. I turn from the kitchen and wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans before opening the door.

  And that is when the shock sets in…

  “Drew, what are you doing here?” I ask my ex-husband who decides it is alright to casually walk into my house.

  “Now is not a good time. I have company on the way over.” I cut him off and try to block him from getting any further into the house.

  “I told Trenton I would bring him to the mall tonight. He didn’t tell you?” Drew asks me while Trenton runs past me and right out the front door.

  “No, he didn’t tell me. Sometimes, you put a little too much faith in that boy. Next time, just text me the plan, alright?” I’m short with him and annoyed because Trenton’s recent behavior doesn’t deserve a trip to the mall, but I’m also glad because the boy needs new jeans and I just haven’t had the money to dish out for them. “He needs some new jeans as well, so you can grab them while you’re there.” I add and give him that shit eating grin I always used when I got my way.

  “I’ll make sure he gets dinner as well.” Drew adds while he starts to walk out the door. Just as he makes his way down the front steps, a small silver sports car whips into the driveway and Brian emerges.

  Shit. Fuck. Crapbasket! How am I going to explain this? I hope Drew continues on his way to the car where Trenton sits, perched in the front seat waiting for him.

  “Brian Thompson?” Drew questions while Brian briskly walks up the front steps.

  “Drew Anderson. Fancy seeing you here. If you’ll excuse me, I’m here to see Madeline.” He walks right past Drew, completely brushing him off and my shitty ex-husband only stands there watching like a deer in headlights.

  “How do you two know each other?” Drew asks from behind Brian.

  “We’re dating.” Brian dryly replies. “You walked out on an amazing woman.” He includes while walking up the steps, pressing a chaste kiss onto my cheek and entering my home like he actually belongs here. Like we are actually dating, and that it wasn’t some bold faced lie. Why would he even say that to Drew?

  “Dating, Maddie?” Drew asks me.

  “What does it matter to you? It’s not any of your business.” I say back, trying to get my wits about me still.

  “My kids live here. It is my business.” Drew throws back in my direction and I am pissed. Like not even mildly mad, or even annoyed like I usually am with him. I am officially momma bear pissed.

  “Drew, seriously? You live with a twenty something bimbo who thinks go-karting is a freaking sport and you are going to give me shit about having company over at dinner time? If you want to make a problem of it, I’ll make sure Little Miss Botox can’t be there when MY children are there. I’m sure she’ll really love being kicked out of her home every weekend.” I turn around, and make my way for the door only coming to a stop once I’ve slammed the front door and can see him through the side window standing there in shock that for once, I have stood up to him.

  “You mean to tell me Drew Anderson is your ex-husband?” Brian asks me flatly when I turn around. “Madeline, there is so much I don’t know about you… but I think that all needs to take a back burner for now. Is there someplace we can go to talk?” He says while looking right at my children.

  “Grace, Brady, meet Mr. Thompson.” Both children acknowledge him momentarily before going back to whatever they were doing before.

  “We can go upstairs… to talk.” I say to Brian quietly and lead the way. Each step I take up the stairs, I am hyper aware of his eyes on me, following every move I am making up the stairs. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t swing my ass just a little more than I normally would the million times a day I climb up and down these stairs.

  “You’re trying to tempt me, Madeline.” His voice is deep and filled with hunger. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was going to bend me over the instant we hit my bedroom. But, with my children downstairs I know he wouldn’t even think about it.

  At the top of the stairs, we turn the corner and enter my bedroom quietly closing the doors behind us.

  “You have a flair for decorating, Madeline.” Brian compliments the room while looking around. “Now, you spill. Everything.” I walk over and climb up onto my bed, lying back and staring at the ceiling. The silence lingers in the room and when I feel the bed dip once again I know he isn’t going to let me get away with closing him out like I was planning.

  “Something happened to you, Madeline. I can tell. I want to know.” He is stern this time around. He gives me no option to keep my story to myself anymore. If I don’t come out with it, I am pretty sure he would take me over his knee like a child and spank me. Brian makes me feel like a child again. Like I was caught stealing an oreo before dinner.

  “Something did happen. Today. Right before you called me.” I pause and take a deep breath trying to compose myself.

  “With a man?” Brian asks me and I only nod in reply. “Do you need to see a doctor?” His question takes me off guard, but it makes sense, considering my line of work until about two hours ago.

  “No. He didn’t touch me. At all.” I say, trying to think of a way to tell the story without it coming out as horrible as it sounds. “When I came home from your house the other day, I told myself a man like you wouldn’t want anything from me. I didn’t plan on seeing you again, ever. Even though you’re all I’ve thought about since then.” I pause again, trying to give myself a little bit of time, but I know I don't have much. “I answered an email. He didn't want to touch me. Four hundred dollars for him to watch me… solo.” I can’t even bring myself to say masturbate.

  “Okay,” he says, while running his hands through his perfectly styled hair. He looks like he walked out of his office. Perfection in that business suit.

  “We finished and he went to clean up while I put my pants back on. And when he came back into the living room, he pulled a gun on me. He took the money he paid me back and called me some really nasty names. I thought he was going to shoot me. My whole life flashed before my eyes and all I could think of was my children and them not having a mother. I was so stupid. I was a fool th
inking that I could do something like this. I’d rather live in a shelter than ever put myself in harms way like that again.” When the words leave my mouth, I realize how true they actually are. I’d rather live on the streets than risk my life like that again.

  “Madeline, none of this has to be like it is. I hate that you went to meet that guy and if it was up to me, you’d never have to look for money again. I know you don't know me, and I don’t know you either, but I’m going to help you in any way I can. Not because I want to sleep with you. Don’t get me wrong, that sex was mind blowing and I’m up for more…” He smiles at me with that grin that could melt my panties right off. “But you are a good person and I’m going to help you get back on your feet any way I can.”

  I want to cry and I don’t want to take a hand out from him. But there comes a time in your life when you have to realize you need help and be mature enough to accept it.

  “I’m putting this house on the market. It’s too much for me and the kids, it has too many bad memories.” I admit. “I have a job interview on Monday with Joseph Roberts law firm as well,” The words just continue to flow out of my mouth.

  “Can I touch you?” Brian asks me, and I’m confused as to why he would even ask.

  “Yes, why couldn’t you?”

  “You’ve had a really traumatic day, Madeline. I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”

  “I’d feel better if you just held me for a couple minutes.” I admit in my moment of weakness. I don’t want him to know exactly what he means to me already, but I’m pretty sure he already knows anyway.

  “Madeline, it’s all going to be okay. I’m going to make sure of it. I know this may be a little overwhelming for you, but I’ll take it as slow as you want. I’m not going to let you go.” Brian whispers into my ear.

  “Why me?” I ask him, staring into his gorgeous eyes.

  “You’ve brought light back into my life. Light that I’ve been missing for so long. You make me smile. You make me happy. You are the first thing I think of every morning now, and the last thing I think of before I go to sleep.” He admits.

  “Do you believe in fate?” I ask Brian, wondering if I am crazy for going out on this limb.

  “I do, and I also believe in soul mates.” He replies.

  “Do you think Audry was your soul mate?” I know I am pushing things now. I don’t want to think of the answer he is going to come up with. But, I want to get everything out there in the open with us. I don’t want to be a good time or a replacement. I want to be his everything. I want to be someone’s everything.

  “Audry was a lot of things, but if I am being completely honest, no. She wasn’t my soul mate and I am sure she would have said the same about me. We loved each other unconditionally, but every once and a while we would realize there were things we were just too different on. Or things would happen that would put a rift between us. We kept it together because we were best friends. I’m not looking to replace her; no one could ever replace her. I just want to be happy, Madeline. And you… make me happy. You make me more than happy. Please don’t think about Audry, because she is in the past and you, Madeline… You are my future.”

  I don’t want to think about the weight of all he has told me. I just want to lay here and smile and think about the life we could have together. Despite my completely horrible day, I know that when I lay my head down to rest tonight… I finally have nothing in the world to worry about.

  The rest of the week flew by in the blink of an eye. Brian lingered in the background of everything I did with my children until Drew picked them all up Friday night. I had no choice but to spend the entire weekend with Brian, at his house. Not that I minded lounging on the beach by any means. Sunday we took a trip to the mall and I got a new outfit for my interview this morning. As I sit in my car in the parking lot of the Joseph Roberts Law Firm, I feel confident that making this job interview will be a simple walk in the park.

  Even though I had confidence, I wasn’t stupid enough to think I would walk through he doors and this job would be mine without any effort and my nerves were certainly getting the best of me. Two reassuring texts from Brian and a text from Drew still prying about my relationship with Brian was enough to put a smile on my face.

  Looking at the clock again, I decide to make my way into the office and meet with Denise, the secretary who will be interviewing me for the position. Looking in the mirror one last time, I realize I am finally starting to feel comfortable in my own skin again. I don’t think it is because of a man, but I finally feel like I am beginning to find my way in the world again. I’ve been so lost since Drew walked out, and just being able to not have to worry about simple things is a big stress relief. The perpetual bags under my eyes are finally going away and the light in my eyes is returning.

  Opening the door of the office, I step one foot in with my black and white striped heels; my favorite of my collection by far. Something about a good pair of shoes will make a woman capable to taking over the world. I am met with a smiling face of an older woman sitting behind a big desk in the lobby. Her hair is fully grey and when she looks up at me, she pushes her glasses back up to the bridge of her nose. Pausing in front of her, I wait for her cue and introduce myself.

  “Hi, I’m Madeline Alexander. I am here for an interview.” Smiling in her direction, I try to not let the older woman know how nervous I really am.

  “Very nice to meet you, Miss Alexander. If you will give me about five minutes to wrap up this e-mail, I will be with you. Mr. Roberts will be running a couple minutes late.” I nod and smile again, before finding my seat across the room. For a Monday morning the office is quiet, but given that this is one of many offices in the county, I am not completely surprised. Thumbing through my phone, I look through Facebook and read a couple articles in the local newspaper to kill time. The main office door opens and closes and a man walks in. With his blond hair perfectly styled from the back, and from the way he is dressed, I can only assume he is Joseph Roberts.

  “Good morning, my lovely Denise. How are you on this fine Monday?” He asks, the voice grabbing my attention even further. Something about it is familiar, but I can’t place him. I know him from somewhere, but being unable to see his face is making it hard for me to place him.

  “Your personal assistant interview is here,” She says and nods in my direction. “Madeline Alexander.”

  As he turns around, I instantly place him. A chill runs through my body and my heart slams against my chest. I am paralyzed with fear because I know him. I don’t want to know him. I don’t want a job working in his office, and right now, I want to stand and run out of this office and never come back. But, I can’t.

  I’ll politely decline the job at the end of the interview. At least that is what I tell myself I am going to do. His eyes watch me, barring into me and sizing me up like an animal staring at his prey. He takes a few steps in my direction with a smile spread across his face. Extending his arm in greeting, he introduces himself.

  “Joseph Roberts, very nice to meet you, Madeline.” He says and I hate the sound of my name coming from his mouth. I extend my arm and accept his handshake, but do my best to avoid eye contact with him.

  He knows immediately he has intimidated me. Just like he did last week when he pulled a gun on me and robbed me of the four hundred dollars he had handed me for my services. I never thought I would see him again. I never thought I would have to deal with the scumbag he is again. I never in a million years would have pegged him for a freaking lawyer, let alone a prominent local attorney!

  It makes me stop and think how many other scumbags on that website are just like him. Taking advantage of women who are desperate.

  “Denise, I’ll handle the interview myself. You just work on that file we talked about last night,” he says to her and starts walking in the direction of a closed door. “Miss Alexander, if you would follow me.”

  Everything in my head screams at me to run and never look back. But I know I have to go thro
ugh with this. If I scream, the secretary will surely hear me and come to my aid. At least I hope.

  For the second time in a week, I am making a shitty choice and I just pray it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass. I should have known that life was just too perfect. Something was bound to come in and fuck it all up. It always happens that way.

  I rise and follow him slowly. Once inside the office, I sit in the chair he points to while he closes the office door. I watch out of the corner of my eye to make sure he doesn’t lock the door. Not like there is much I could do if he did.

  “I have to admit, I never in a million years thought I would see you again,” he says with a chuckle. “But, I also have to admit… this is a very pleasant surprise. You’ll fit in marvelously in this office.” He smiles and I cringe as he rounds his desk to sit down in his oversized, and surely overpriced, chair.

  “I’m not interested in the job.” I say in defiance of him and he laughs at me.

  “Oh, sure you are. Or you wouldn’t be here. And guess what, Madeline?” He pauses just to leave me hanging on his words. “You are going to take this job. You are going to love this job and if you don’t, I’m going to go to the police about your side business.”

  Is this douche really trying to blackmail me into taking this job? What the hell is his deal? I’m unsure of what I should do. I can’t afford this guy going to the police. I just can’t. I would lose my children to Drew, and I am sure the controversy it would cause would cost me my relationship with Brian. On the other hand, would this guy actually throw himself under the bus? Would he ruin his own reputation just to get back at me? I am sure someone with his social stature in our town could easily make it through the reporting process without getting personally involved. Cops are shady, and lawyers are even more shady. FUCK!

  “What do you want from me?” I ask him, not knowing why he is going to go to great lengths to keep me around.

  “You see, Madeline. You have something that I want. That little show you put on for me the other day was good. Really good, and I plan to have the real thing right here in this very office. When I want it and how I want it.” He is blackmailing me to be his in-office sex toy? This just keeps getting better and freaking better!